THE MIDDLETON MYSTERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16940, 15 January 1923, Page 6

THE MIDDLETON MYSTERY.

Verdict of Murder in London Tragedy.

Many Letters Found in House.

By Telegraph—Free* Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received January 15, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 14. At the inquest, a verdict was returned that Maltby murdered Mrs. Middleton, whose death was due to bullet wounds in the back of the head. A doctor gave evidence that death had occurred four or five months ago. The police found many letters (mostly brief) written by Maltby scattered about the house. Some were pinned on doors. Many of these letters stated or implied that Mrs. Middleton had committed suicide about August 24. Some of the letters were addressed to Mrs. Middleton in endearing terms, and stated that the writer (Maltby) was screwing up his courage to commit suicide to join her. One read:— “ It is all right darling, I hear you calling me. I am going to do it to-day. lam a coward, or I should have been with you before.” Mrs. Middleton, the wife of a mercantile marine officer, disappeared in August last. She went to live in a house in Regents Park occupied by Maltby, a tailor, who used it as business premises and a dwelling. Maltby allowed his business to go to pieces, and became a recluse. Prior to Mrs. Middleton’s disappearance she was frequently seen motoring with Maltby, but it is stated that Maltby told the police that he had not seen Mrs. Middleton since she left him in August. Maltby rarely ventured from the house, and the water and gas services were disconnected by the authorities. Armed with a warrant granted by the sanitary authorities, the police broke into the house. As they entered two shots were heard, and Maltby was found •wounded in the head, and died in a few- minutes.

The police found Airs. Middleton’s body bent double, face downward in a bath, in an advanced state of decomposition. There was very little water in the bath.